Those who campaign for the environment live dangerously – especially in Latin America. 85 percent of all murders were registered there. Yet activists are essential in the fight against the climate crisis.
According to the non-governmental organization Global Witness, at least 196 environmental activists were killed worldwide last year. The most dangerous country for environmental activists was Colombia, followed by Brazil, Mexico and Honduras, the group said when presenting its annual report. 85 percent of all murders were recorded in Latin America.
“As the climate crisis accelerates, those who raise their voices to courageously defend our planet are faced with violence, intimidation and murder,” said report author Laura Furones. “Our data shows that the number of murders remains alarmingly high, a situation that is simply unacceptable.”
Activists who campaign against mining, fishing, forestry and agriculture, road construction and hydroelectric power plants in particular live dangerously. Most crimes go unpunished. “Governments must not sit idly by. They must take decisive action to protect activists and combat the causes of violence against them,” Furones demands. “The activists are indispensable when it comes to preventing and repairing the damage caused by climate-damaging industries.”
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
